The Department of Health (DOH) is pushing for the implementation of a price ceiling for RT-PCR Swab Testing.
According to DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, the agency has noticed that the prices in various laboratories in the country are not consistent and could even reach more than PhP10,000.00. The imposition of a price ceiling will regulate the price of the swab tests.
The DOH has recommended to the Office of the President to issue an Executive Order regarding the matter.
“Ito po ang atin hinihiling na baka (This is what we are requesting) for this pandemic situation that we have this time. We (may) be able to have this executive order so that we can somehow regulate the prices of swabs or the prices of testing for COVID-19.”
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced that if the public wants an affordable RT-PCR test, they should have their tests in areas with donated machines and testing kits for a price of PhP1,100.00. – Report from Mark Fetalco
